18 Races To Watch In 2018: Illinois Gubernatorial Election

Will this be the most expensive non-presidential election in American history?

By NTK Staff | 12.26.2017 @4:00pm

The Illinois gubernatorial election in 2018 could be the most expensive non-presidential election in American history, as it will likely feature liberal Democrat billionaire J. B. Pritzker challenging incumbent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner (R-IL), who has already said he will spend as much as $150 to $200 million from his own personal fortune on the race.

That’s peanuts, though, compared to what Rauner claims he is willing to spend on his re-election campaign.

According to Politico, “several people close to Gov. Bruce Rauner said he was willing to withdraw as much as $150 to $200 million from his own personal fortune.”

The Democratic field features a half dozen candidates, including Chris Kennedy of the political Kennedy family, and Pritzker, whose family owns Hyatt Hotels.

WHY IT MATTERS: Rauner is one of the most unpopular Governors in America, but Republicans are somewhat optimistic that they might be able to hold on to this state if Pritzker, who has his own flaws, is the Democrats’ nominee in 2018.